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Kathleen Douglas Dannemiller

Kathleen Dannemiller Obituary

Dannemiller, Kathleen Douglas Kathleen (Kathie) Dannemiller, remembered by many as a gen erous friend, a gifted teacher and one of the most respected consultants of her era, passed away peacefully December 26, from complications related to emergency surgery. Kathie, who co-founded the locally- based internationally-known consulting firm Dannemiller Tyson Associates, devoted her self to bringing about progres sive change in the local commu nity, in business, government, and not for profit organizations, and in the lives of thousands of people she encountered across the globe. Her passionate, eng aging and direct style affected many people profoundly both by what she said and did, and how she listened to them, helping them discover new ways to move forward. Kathie was born in Detroit April 27, 1929. She at tended the University of Michi gan, receiving both her BA and MA, and lived in Ann Arbor ever since. Prior to founding the con sulting firm in the early 1980's, she served as assistant to the vice-president for Student Affairs at the University of Michgan. She was a lifelong ac tivist and leader in the commu nity, including being the found ing mother of the Ark coffeehouse, organizing and managing campaigns for sever al officeholders and initiatives, and serving two terms on the Ann Arbor School Board, one of them as its president. Being an Organization Development con sultant was more than a career for Kathie, it was a useful and meaningful way to live and ex press her beliefs and values about social justice, empower ment, and effective interaction among people with varying backgrounds and agendas. In addition to benefiting over a hundred client organizations through her consulting, she also made significant contributions to the theory and practice of OD. Building on her work with U-M social researcher Ronald Lippitt, Kathie was co-inventor of a new approach to working with large complex organiza tions, now known as Whole Scale Change. This methodolo gy has been used world-wide by other consultants and hundreds of organizations. Also with Lippitt, she led courses for hun dreds of consultants at the National Training Laboratories (NTL), and an internship pro gram in Ann Arbor during the 1980's that trained over 100 con sultants and trainers in this re gion. At the time of her death Kathie was leading a Large Systems. Practicum with one of her former partners, Roland Loup. She was also the author or co-author of several books on different aspects of OD prac tice. Kathie is survived by her four children, and five grand daughters. Sons William Luke (Angeliki) and granddaughter Myrsini, David Ty and grand daughters Lisa and Sara, Robert (Maria) his grandaught ers Kristin, Alexa and daughter Kathleen Kaysie. Luke is a mathematics teacher at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard High School. David is a project manager with Bechtel, current ly living in Washington. Robert is the owner of two respiratory/ physical therapy centers in Cincinnati, and Kaysie is a wil derness therapist in Portland, Oregon. Kathie is also mourned by her brother Bruce Douglas and sister Jean Clarkson, as well as her extended family. Kathie will be loved and missed by friends, colleagues, clients and students, many of whom say she had a profound impact on their lives, by helping them discover more about who they were, developing the courage to follow difficult paths, or learn more deeply about managing and leading. One consultant who subsequently served as vice-president for three Fortune 100 companies said, She was the most important teacher I ever had. It changed my entire career path. Many others ex pressed sentiments similar to one sent by a consultant moved out of state several years ago, It is hard for me to think of letting her go. No matter how long it has been since I've seen her she has been a part of me and who I am today. A service for family and friends will be held Monday, December 29, at 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor. After the service a gath ering to honor and celebrate Kathie's life will be held at the Ark, South Main between Liberty and Washington, Ann Arbor at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flow ers, donations can be made in Kathie's memory to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Associa tion, 2700 Chestnut Pkwy., Chester, PA 19013.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ann Arbor News on Dec. 28, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Dannemiller

51 Entries

Diane Robinette

December 6, 2004

When I met Kathie, I knew immediately two things: 1. She was a genius in her thinking and 2. It was clear she genuinely had a calling that was total and unselfish. You couldn't help but to "catch the fever."

Rev. Mary Masters

November 4, 2004

I knew Kathie when I was an undergrad at the University of Michigan, 1973-77. I was blessed to work with her as an intern for 2-3 years. She has been, and continues to be, one of the most influential people in my life. In particular two memories stand out for me. One was a time when I was working through some personal issues in therapy. When I shared them with Kathie, her immediate response was a loud exclaim - "God Mary, you're so healthy!" The power of her affirmation for who and what I am is something that still resonates deep within me today. The second and truly life-changing experience I want to share about my time with Kathie occurred in the year after I graduated from U of M. I was grieving the loss of my mother and trying to understand her diagnosis. I had been led to believe my mother had Huntington's chorea which can be a fatal hereditary disease. In the midst of my grief, I was feeling paralyzed with fear about this possibility. When I shared this with Kathie, she immediately sprang into action. "You've just got to find out the truth", she said. Within minutes she was on the phone with a friend who was a medical doctor. He agreed to contact the hospital where my mother had been examined just before she committed suicide and to request all of the medical records. This included information that I couldn't get access to, even as the daughter of the deceased. The information came back that they had eliminated the possibility of Huntington's chorea. The cause of her final symptoms was not clear, but it seemed unlikely that it was hereditary. I felt as though a huge dark cloud had been lifted from my life. It was truly gave me a new lease on life and freed me up to move forward. I will be forever grateful for the many ways Kathie touched my life. I send my love and blessings to all of Kathie's family and friends who now have the great honor and responsibility of continuing to carry the torch for helping others find their inner light as well.

Tina Dannemiller

September 30, 2004

As a member of the family for over a decade, the one thing I learned and loved is how she never guilted you into spending time with her. She was always happy to see us, but always encouraging us to do our own thing too. That's rare in a mother / mother in law, especially since we lived so far away. I also respected that if she got tired, she laid down and read, regardless of who was there. She never felt the need to "hostess" which, in turn, made everyone else free to be relaxed. Her home was a commune to many. She will be greatly missed but has left us all a little brighter.

Kathie Dannemiller 1929-2003

September 24, 2004

Wally Graham

September 23, 2004

I am late in catching up with tributes to Kathy, but late is better than never. And there is never enough I can say about the new dimension Kathy added to my knowledge about organization dynamics when I attended DTA's Large Scale Organization Change workshop in 1991. Kathy was so smart and so down to earth with her ability to transfer knowledge in language that was clear and practical. I still smile when I think about the graphic language Kathy would use to get attention of her audience. She had a way of engaging us that not many have. Thanks Kathy for the pleasure of having known you. Thanks for the information you shared. Thanks for breaking bread together. And thanks to God for having made a place for you in my life.

Shawn Marie Hardy

September 5, 2004

I am saddened to learn only now that Kathleen passed away. I only met her a couple times but she welcomed me into her home and was a lovely person. I remember her daughter, Kaysie, fondly. We were once dear friends but have lost touch over the years. Kaysie, if you read this, I still think about you, dear.

John Ford

July 26, 2004

I'm saddened to hear of the death of Kathie.I met Kathie in 1982 as my friend Tim and I were students hitch-hiking across the states.A friend of hers picked us up and invited us to a barbeque at her cottage by Whitmore Lake. An experience I shall never forget .We were total strangers but stayed with her for two weeks !!!Tim and I became known to Kathie , her friends and family as "The Brits" .We drove her to work in the morning and had her car for the day !We even sat in on some of her lectures at the University! .In all honesty I think that meeting was one of the most influential acts of kindness and generosity ever awarded to me.

Chris Stephenson

June 22, 2004

I met Kathie many years ago (1984)at a Ford Participative management training session in Newport Beach which for a Brit was a real challenge. I think I was a difficult participant but Kathie was incredibly patient and giving of her time and converted a bit of a cynic! That experience has stayed with me ever since and has been so powerful in how it has informed my professional life. There are few who can touch many and leave a mark - Kathie could do that God speed and THANK YOU

Kevin Ford

March 26, 2004

Kathie was always willing to come to MSU and facilitate a class for my Organizational Development graduate course. Her energy level energized the students to what was possible. I will miss talking to her prior to the class about orgnizational issues and life issues.

Dave ( Dannemiller

March 5, 2004

Mom...you are the greatest! You inspired me to do things I never would've done without your support and undying love. Everything from Little League baseball to my current adventures in Iraq, you were always there and continue to be there for me. I miss you terribly...Love, me.

Nancy Adams

March 1, 2004

Kathie was an outstanding facilitator and teacher. I went to the NTL program on Whole Systems Change just to learn from her. She was wonderful and taught me the importance of loving the unlovable client. God bless you Kathie for sharing so much of yourself with so many. We miss you.

Franz Heimel

February 24, 2004

Kathie you will be greatly missed. I wished we had stayed in closer touch since we last met in Vienna in 2001. It was a privilege knowing you and learning from you. Your work and your spirit will live on.

Rick, Stacy, Cassie & J.J. Reece

February 22, 2004

Our thoughts are with all of you!

Victoria Keesing

February 22, 2004

Kathie had the most marvellous sense of humour. Whilst I talked with her about her work and was inspired by it, it was the passion that emerged through her humour that most touched me. The world and all those stuck in organisations where they are given no room to breathe, have lost a great advocate and friend.

Victoria

Sally Goshorn

February 21, 2004

Kathie's strength and warmth and authenticity touched me deeply when I joined the second Lippitt-Dannemiller Planned Change internship many years ago. She was a role model, a leader, and an "earth mother" to so many of us. She will not be forgotten.

Deborah Pagel

February 21, 2004

Thank you for inspiring me.

Matthias zur Bonsen

February 20, 2004

I have never met Kathie in person but I admire her work and learned a lot from her. She deeply enriched my life.

Douwe Minkema

February 15, 2004

I've met Kathy several times when I was working closely together with Dannemiller Tyson Associates on getting Whole Scale Change going in Western Europe. She struck me with her warmheartedness and her principles doing this work. She even let me drive her Ford Mustang (which she was fond about) when we went out to visit the Ford Motor Company Museum. Kathy; one heart, one brain, that's what it's all about. Rest in peace,

Douwe.

Helene Abrams

February 1, 2004

I didn't know Kathie for long, but appreciated her ability to change not only individuals, but also the community in which she lived. The world is a better place because of Kathie's participation in the lives of the people around her.

Donna LaFerr

January 20, 2004

Kathie, your "Whole-Scale Change Toolkit" was my very first project as a Virtual Assistant, and I've not had a project since that I enjoyed as much. You were a joy to work for and with, and I feel that we became good friends thile working on that project, and by keeping in touch afterwards. I only wish we'd been able to live closer together and actually meet in person, not just by telephone and e-mail. Kathie, you were and are, a remarkable woman, and I cherish the fact that I can call you my friend. Go with God, My friend, and know that you will continue to live on in each of us who knew and love you. Friendship lasts forever!

Love,

Donna L. (LaFerr)

Sung Joon Park

January 16, 2004

Kathie was a great inspirer.

I cannot forget the moment I had interview with her last September. I found myself that I was talking to not just a consultant but a person who had followed and was following her passion every single day. Her words and attitute made me cannot sleep that night. I needed to think of myself and what passion I am following. After a while since the interview with Kathie, I found that I have moved to new career direction to follow the real passion in my heart. I am so sorry to miss a chance to share my life-changed story to her. But, Kathie, I will share this to later, in the heaven. Peace forever!!

Jim Crowfoot

January 15, 2004

Kathie did creative teaching of important information about change making in organizations and communities. She continues to teach through all the students who were fortunate enough to be influenced by her. I am one of those students.

In the late 70s she joined me in teaching a U. of M. course, Organizational Theory and Change. I very much enjoyed teaching with her. Ever after she was a continuing and enthusiastic supporter of my work for which I am very grateful.

I greatly admire Kathie's many accomplishments and her integrity and vision in everything that she did. Her energy, enthusiasm and optimism are legendary.

Becky DeStefano

January 10, 2004

Kathie hated it when I told her how much she had changed my life. She did change my life and continued to change it. She encouraged me in whatever professional and personal choices I made, and accepted me for all of who I am. I loved her and miss her more everyday. I can hardly bear to think that she's no longer with us in body, but she will always be with me in spirit. I'm so glad I spent time with her during these last few years. "I miss her already", would be a tremendous understatement. I know how much she meant to all of us, and I offer my deepest condolences to the community.

Nancy Badore

January 9, 2004

Kathie and I go back a very long way, co-creating and problem-solving and guffawing and "trusting the process". She has had an incredible influence on the way I think, and, I hope, on the way I am in the world, as she has had on such a long line of people who were fortunate enough to serve with her, learn from her, and love her. She can't be replaced, but she can be remembered, and quoted, and emulated, and missed by us all.

Lee Sanborn

January 9, 2004

Kathie, through her development of large-scale change, impacted a great number of organizations. Through her wisdom, warmth, and wit, she impacted a lot of OD practitioners. Her legacy is changes she helped bring about in these organizations, and the development in the talents and values of these OD practitioners. I think all of us were enriched and very lucky to have had her as a mentor and friend.

Elsie Fort

January 8, 2004

I had the privilege of pioneering with Kathie and Roland this past year in the Whole Systems Practicum. Kathie was an inspiration to me. Although her body way failing, her spirit and mind were always powerfully present. She taught me the importance of purpose, which guides my work daily. Her generosity was extraordinary. I will miss her brilliance and physical presence, yet her spirit somehow illuminates my path.

Greg Huszczo

January 8, 2004

Kathie Dannemiller was a community maker and I was blessed to be included thanks to her. I first met Kathie at one of the Lippitt Clusters. I had moved to town having been hired by EMU to launch their MSHROD program. It was great to be able to meet the many OD practitioners in this area.

My next encounter with Kathie was at Ford Glass Division where I was working as an internal while on sabbatical. She immediately included me as part of the team to establish a Participative Management culture to complement the EI efforts already underway. It was so wonderful to be able to learn the Whole Scale approach from the master herself and to see this loving but non-nonsense woman be a change agent in a male dominated organization.

Kathie continued to utilize me in other efforts (e.g. Ford Milan) especially for my approach to developing teams. I am very lucky to have had those great experiences and to continue to be able to interact with the comunity she created. Whether you met Kathie in an office, in an organization, in her home or at her lake lot, you felt included. She had a great analytical mind and a huge heart and always gave all of herself. I (we all) will Kathie Dannemiller.

Jackie Binkert

January 7, 2004

Kathie was a great teacher. She will continue to teach me each time I remember her.

Bill Ford

January 6, 2004

A note from Bill Ford, head of Ford Motor Company on Dec. 3rd while Kathie was in critical care:

Dear Ms. Dannemiller:

I have recently learned of your hospitalization from a good friend of yours. I am sorry to hear of your illness and the challenges presently confronting you.

Please know that you have many friends within the Ford extended family who are pulling for you and awaiting the good news that you have turned the corner to improved health.

Thank you for everything you have done to contribute to the strength and progress of Ford Motor Company. We now extend our best wishes for your steady return to improved health.

Sincerely,

/s/

William Clay Ford, Jr.

John Little

January 6, 2004

I used to frustrate Kathie when I once told her I felt like bowing when she walked into the room. I was awed in her presence, but only because I had such admiration and respect for her integrity, her directness, and her compassion. What a lady. I am better for having had her in my life. God bless you, Kathie. You are loved and will be missed greatly.

Steve Cady

January 6, 2004

Kathie - wonderful mentor, friend, mother, girlfriend... invitingly wrapped up in a deep box of provocative love.

Annemiek Geverink

January 5, 2004

I'm so sorry to hear Kathy isn't with us any more. Through her I came to know about large group work and made it my work to. I'm happy to have met with her last may in Rotterdam, not knowing it would be the last time. She was at that moment full of plans to leave for Africa to do some research. Kathy will always be present and alive here in Holland: in our workshops and publications about LSI and WSC and not in the least in our head and hart. I wish the family, the DTA colleaques and all who worked with her happy and loving memories about Kathy, never to forget.

Gary Jusela

January 4, 2004

Kathie was the most extraordinary teacher of Organization Development I have ever met. I learned more from her about how to do good and highly impactful large-scale OD than from anyone I have encountered on life's path. We had the chance to do some amazing work together over the years at Ford, Boeing and in Budapest, Hungary. I will miss having Kathie around as a steady guiding force, yet I know that her teachings and love will live on not only in me, but in the many thousands of others she so meaningfully impacted along the way. Heaven shines brighter with Kathie's spirit and laughter there to greet each day. Thanks Kathie for all that you have given through your life. You live on in so many ways.

Marianne Araujo

December 31, 2003

Kathy was an inspiration in her teachings and communication. learning from her, Roland and Sylvia was a gift that continues with me. She is a remarkable woman.

Jean-Pierre Beaulieu

December 31, 2003

Kathie was one of the most congruent person I have known in the field of Organization Development. She always "walk the talk" in term of the values underlying her life and her work. I feel very fortunate to have known her, will miss her but will never forget her.

Yael Zofi

December 30, 2003

Kathy touched so many people in so many ways... I met Kathy several times, but the most important time was at the OD National Conference in Atlanta in 2000. She spent a day with us during the 'Women in OD' session and was part of my small group. We introduced ourselves and the conversation quickly went into personal lives. When I introduced myself, I told the group that I was deciding whether to marry the man I was dating and had second thoughts since we had such different personalities... Out of nowhere, she said 'Marry Him!' I turned around and looked at her with surprise... Why would this woman who barely knew me say such a thing? She then looked at me and quietly said, 'Marry him because you two have a lot to learn from each other." That comment stayed with me throughout the conference. I did marry him and am now living happily together for over 2 years. It was at that moment, when I was a bit down - doubting my feelings, unsure of my future, and insecure about commitment - that Kathy made a difference... I was always struck by the way she just said a few words that were so powerful. Thank you Kathy. You've been an incredible person in my life... May you rest in peace... Yael.

Helene C. Sugarman

December 30, 2003

Kathie and I laughed about my new marriage and husband and carried on like junior high adolescents. It was so much fun. When I spoke to her after this espisode, I asked if she remembered me. She replied, "I always remember my friends." Kathie, you have touched my heart many times; your spirit will always be with me. God bless you. Rest in Peace, now. Farewell, dear friend. Helene

Barbara Douglas

December 30, 2003

Kathie was my Aunt and my friend. She made a difference in my life. Her smile lit up the sky, her passion gave us all hope, it's hard to imagine a world without her here with us. I will hold her in my heart, always.

Catherine Cleary

December 30, 2003

May we all carry on the work in her spirit. That is the greatest tribute of all.

Karen Gilliam

December 30, 2003

I met Kathie just this year during an OD planning meeting in Cleveland. We connected on a professional and, even more importantly, personal level. How fortunate I feel that our paths crossed on this journey called life.

Tammy Signer-Holmes

December 30, 2003

I met Kathy 5 years ago when we had our "Dannemiller Conference" here at NYS Tax & Finance and then again we met 3 years later at a GOER conference. We started up right where we left off. Kathy gave me self-confidence that I never had and taught me to be the "logistics queen" as she called me.

Jean Douglas Clarkson

December 29, 2003

To my sister and dear friend, Kathie Dannemiller - You have touched so many lives and given so much. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May you rejoice forever in the love of Jesus, surrounded by those we love who went before you. Your love helped me grow.

Your sister Jean

Lino Mendiola, Jr.

December 29, 2003

The most loving, giving, caring, sharing and understanding person I ever met and had the joy to work with and be a part of her life for 30 years. I will miss you Kathie. Con Carino, Lino

Doug Hoxeng

December 29, 2003

I first met Kathy in 1976 when we were both working for the University of Michigan but at different campuses. She has been one of the most influential people in my life ever since. Kathy helped me open my mind, see life differently and discover the power in collaboration. I have had the opportunity to apply much of what I learned from her to various organizational and community settings--even on different continents. Her memory is a treasure to me and likely to anyone who had the priviledge to learn from her.

Barbara Benedict Bunker

December 28, 2003

Kathie's total engagement with everything she undertook is an image of her that I cherish. Never mind if I thought she was right on target or not. She was fully present and giving it her all. I loved that quality of hers as much as all that can and should be said about her contribution to the OD field. She was so much fun as well as so serious. She is a strong image that will not fade easily.

Ruth Seliger

December 28, 2003

To hear from Kathie's death fills my heart with deep sadness. I am proud having met her and having had the chance to learn from her and her ideas. I keep you in my heart.

Ruth Seliger

Peggy Holman

December 28, 2003

Kathie, you are such a light in the world that even with your passing, you continue to shine through all of us whose lives you touched. Thank you for your fiery spirit, insightful intellect and joy of life that wrapped me in its loving net of head and heart. You are remembered.

Martha Young

December 28, 2003

Kathie's spirit lives on through the many students, both formal and informal, whom she touched.

Linda Morgan

December 28, 2003

I'm just one of many whose lives were enriched by meeting and loving Kathie Dannemiller. She was a special person who gave and received great friendships. Thank you, Kathie, for being there for all of us.

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